Ok, People’s Choice Voters: did you vote yet?? Now’s your chance to pick new categories for the Awards, which are on January 11th. Check it out.

Now, to TV.

Speaking of Things the People Choose …one of them’s definitely Ashton Kutcher. Nearly 28 million viewers tuned in for Two and a Half Men – which blows away all sorts of prior numbers. Many viewers, I am sure, were just plain curious to see what all the fuss was about. To be honest, I have never, ever watched Two and a Half Men – until two nights ago. Like everyone else who was vaguely interested to see if The House of Sheen would come tumbling down without him, I watched. And frankly, it looks like Jon Cryer’s the one to watch anyway, but Kutcher did an awesome job. What did you think? I found him entirely likeable in a totally-different-direction sorta way. Plus, they were smart – Sheen’s character had such a larger than life personality (even in hilarious, ex-girlfriend-haunted death) that they replaced him with someone a) whose looks are obscured with facial hair, and b) whose personality is mopey, suicidal and guileless. Obviously we will see Ashton Kutcher ‘s sad sack billionaire bloom and I doubt very much if the ratings will slump too terribly with him. (Know whose ratings weren’t great? The Playboy Club. Apparently all anyone cared about was 2.5 Men & How I Met Your Mother. )

As for Brand New Fall TV…who saw New Girl?

I watched, and have to say up front that I like Zooey Deschanel. I do realize that she is polarizing, and I know plenty of people who don’t care for her. But if you go for that kooky-indie-chick-sultry-dork-shtick you will be very happy with this little sitcom that premiered last night. Unfortunately, with half-hour shows and the full-throttle PR machine that promotes them, if you saw one commercial for New Girl, you saw a lot of the show. I couldn’t tell if it was all quite predictable or if I’d just literally seen it before. But again, if you liked those bits – like you like Zooey – you’ll be pleased. Basic plot structure is that our heroine gets unceremoniously cheated on by a BF and goes to move in with three “typical” dudes. (Who live in an apartment that curiously features lockers and a bizarre public restroom complete with those swingy stall doors. Whatever.) What ensues is not unusual – she’s weird/they have second thoughts/she’s endearing/they show a charming side, etc. But Deschanel’s absolutely in full-on goofball mode here, with a singsong voice that will either enchant you or it will drive you up the wall (and I don’t think there’s a lot of middle ground with this gal).What everyone can agree on is that she’s got to carry the whole show, and it’s a big task.

The guys are funny but not remarkably so, which might be a good thing because one of them has already been recast. Basically, it’s her vehicle/merry-go-round so as long as someone writes her funny things to say and she twitches and galumphs self-effacingly enough, she could emerge with a hit. It’s not a very strong program, but given the other newbies, Deschanel is ultra-unique and perhaps there’s room for her on the Cute Show Shelf. I’ll certainly keep watching. You?

Interestingly, the big handsome Kutcher fell flat on “Men”. Underwhelming. The whole episode was poorly written and Jon Cryer carried the whole episode, without Sheen to bounch off of. “Oh, Charlie, come back, or I may have to simply watch an hour of reruns every night after the news.” I actually saw Sheen being interviewed by Matt Laur and thought he seemed humbled by the reaction of the world to his drug-induced rants. He may need more humility and a sincere apology to Chuck Lorre to have him written in as not-dead, but that’s been done before. Although, he could put on some weight to fill in the gaunt cheeks from mega-crack use and no eating. He looks decidedly older and not particularly healthy.

I really do like Two and Half Men, however, I do not like Ashton Kutcher in this new role. I like Kutcher, however, I did not find his character funny at all. In fact, his character seems to be exactly how he acts at all award ceremonies that I have seen him at. Too dry. I really like Charlie Sheen in his old character (even though I don’t like what he has been doing). I will probably cease to watch the show, but will try one more time.

I disliked Two and a Half Men. I didn’t find it amusing. Kutchers character is not beleivable. The whole episode didn’t click. The focus on his naked body was not funny and inane. I won’t watch it again. Too bad, because I like Cryer and Angus and the rest of the cast. No one can replace Charlies class and humor delivery.

PS: On Two & a Half Men. I had read the producers also thought of having Hugh Grant become the replacement of Charlie Sheen. For some reason Kutcher just does not fit the picture, too young, looks unkept even when dry, hair that belongs to a rock star or a teen, & he certainly does not exude the smarts to have been an Internet programming genious…

The way Kutcher was introduced into the show was a bit farfetched for normal minds to believe. Charlie’s ashes drop in a puff of smokey ash and poof there is Kutcher at the sliding glass door claiming he tried suicide. Nothing in that script had me caught offguard in a hilarious fit of laughter as the scripts with Sheen & Cryer!

If the producers had gone with Hugh Grant this show would still continue to interest an older audience. And if Grant had become the replacement he would have the Class to pull of the comedy routines with Crayer. It certainly would have fit even with Grant’s British accent since he could have come into the show as someone who knew Rose in England (remember the episodes when she lived there as she faked being married, but was to a store dummy to make Charlie jealous, and Grant could have been written in as someone who came looking for her…

From what I saw on Two & a Half Men now with Ashton Kutcher I think CBS and the show’s producers could have made a better new co-lead than him. Sorry all you girls who are stuck on Kutcher, but this role is just not for him. I feel Jon Cryer carried Kutcher the entire episode, but then Cryer is a comedic treasure.

I had watched the show with Sheen & can tell you his timing with Cryer is unbeatable. No, I do not condone the Sheen’s extra curricular addictions, but he held this show together. I do hope Kutcher will not dim Cryer’s abilities since, I feel, Cryer will carry this season of “Men”. However I read this may be “Men’s” final season & I read Kutcher is being paid more than tope $, but, in my opinion, more than he is worth as an actor…

I loved the “New Girl” pilot! It was so funny that just in the first 5 minutes I was laughing out loud, gasping for air and crying! Zooey Deschanel as “Jess” is a gem and the guys she moves in with are very good supporting actors, especially Damon Wayans, Jr.!